Helena Frye
Jump balls are used to begin or resume play in basketball. Two opposing players compete to gain control of the ball after an official tosses it into the air between them. The jump ball procedure has been modified by various basketball leagues, including the NBA, NCAA, WNBA, and Euroleague Basketball. The rules and techniques for executing a jump ball, including the throwing style, foot placement, and restrictions for jumpers, are specified in the official rulebooks.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To begin or resume play in basketball |
| Participants | Two opposing players |
| Mechanism | An official tosses the ball into the air between the two players, who then attempt to gain control of it |
| History | Originally used to restart play at the beginning of every quarter and after each basket scored; however, the frequency of its use has been reduced over time by various basketball leagues |
| Throwing Styles | One-handed, two-handed, underhanded, and overhanded |
| Ball Trajectory | Typically delivered at a near vertical angle, but this is not required |
| Variations | Some leagues have adopted alternating possession rules or coin tosses instead of jump balls |
| Rules | Numerous rules govern the positioning of players, their movements, and the handling of the ball during a jump ball situation |
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What You'll Learn
Jump ball rules
Jump balls are used to begin or resume play in basketball. Two opposing players attempt to gain control of the ball after an official tosses it into the air between them.
- The game and overtime periods shall be started with a jump ball in the center circle.
- Each jumper must have at least one foot on or inside the half of the jumping circle that is farthest from their basket.
- Each jumper must have both feet within the restraining circle.
- The ball must be tossed vertically, although this is not required.
- Neither jumper may tap the ball before it reaches its highest point.
- Neither jumper may leave their half of the jumping circle until the ball has been tapped.
- Neither jumper may catch the tossed or tapped ball until it touches one of the eight non-jumpers, the floor, the basket, or the backboard.
- Neither jumper is permitted to tap the ball more than twice on any jump.
- The eight non-jumpers will remain outside the restraining circle until the ball has been tapped.
- If the ball falls to the floor without being tapped by at least one of the jumpers, an official shall whistle the ball dead and signal another toss.
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Throwing styles
Some referees have been known to incorporate misdirection into their throwing styles to catch players off guard. For example, referee Crawford would move his head from side to side, ostensibly checking all 10 players, before suddenly tossing the ball with two hands. Another referee, Rush, would talk to the jumpers and then toss the ball mid-sentence to surprise them.
Referee Vaden would wait until both jumpers were set, then rock forward on his feet as if to throw the ball, fooling both players and getting them on their toes. Ken Mauer is also known for his unusual, off-center throwing style, which involves taking multiple steps back and then tossing the ball at an angle, resembling a volleyball player setting the ball for a teammate.
These varied throwing styles contribute to the excitement and unpredictability of jump balls in basketball.
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Player positioning
The jump ball typically occurs at the centre circle of the court, with two opposing players positioned directly across from each other. Each player must stand within their half of the jumping circle, ensuring that at least one foot is on or inside the half farthest from their own basket. This positioning is crucial, as it sets the tone for the ensuing play and ensures fairness during the jump ball.
During the jump ball, the two players involved must adhere to specific rules. Neither player is permitted to leave their designated half of the jumping circle until the ball has been tapped. The objective is for one of the players to tap the ball towards their teammates, gaining possession for their team. The players involved in the jump must not catch the tossed or tapped ball until it touches one of the eight non-jumpers, the floor, the basket, or the backboard.
The remaining players on the court, known as the non-jumpers, also have specific positioning rules. They must remain outside the restraining circle until the ball has been tapped by one of the jumpers. This ensures that the jumpers have a fair chance to compete for the ball without immediate interference from the other players.
In certain situations, a jump ball may occur at a different location on the court. If there is simultaneous possession by opposing players on one side of the court, the jump ball will be conducted from the closest free-throw line. This variation ensures that the jump ball is managed appropriately, considering the proximity to the basket and backboard.
It is important to note that player positioning during a jump ball can vary slightly depending on the specific rules and regulations of the basketball league or organisation. However, the fundamental principles of player positioning remain consistent, emphasising fairness and the opportunity for both teams to compete for possession.
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Possession rules
The NCAA introduced the alternating possession arrow rule in 1981, which awards possession sequentially for all jump ball situations after the opening tip-off. This rule was implemented to address concerns about the consistency of fair tosses by referees. The NBA, WNBA, and Euroleague Basketball have since adopted similar rules.
In the case of a held ball, where two opponents are holding the ball tightly, preventing either from gaining possession without undue roughness, a jump ball may be called. However, some believe that jump balls interrupt the flow of the game and encourage defensive play with the hands rather than the feet.
The rules for the jump ball itself are also important. Each jumper must have at least one foot on their side of the jumping circle, and both feet within the restraining circle. The ball must be tapped by at least one of the players after it reaches its highest point, and neither player can catch the tossed or tapped ball until it touches one of the eight non-jumpers, the floor, the basket, or the backboard.
Additionally, the first possession of the game is determined by a pregame coin toss, allowing the winning team to choose whether to have possession at the start of the game or a potential overtime.
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When to use a jump ball
A jump ball is used to begin or resume play in basketball. It involves an official tossing the ball vertically into the air between two opposing players who jump and try to tap it to a teammate. The rules for when to use a jump ball vary across different leagues and levels of play.
In the NBA, WNBA, and Euroleague Basketball, a jump ball is used in several situations. Firstly, it occurs at the start of the game, known as the opening tip or tip-off. Secondly, a jump ball is used at the start of any extra period or overtime. Thirdly, a jump ball can be used to settle special situations where penalties cancel out, and neither team is entitled to the ball. Finally, a jump ball is employed when the ball becomes wedged between the goal and backboard, although this is a rare occurrence.
In other leagues, such as college basketball and FIBA, the use of jump balls has been reduced in favour of the alternating possession arrow rule. This rule dictates that possession is awarded based on the direction of the possession arrow, alternating between the two teams. College basketball uses a jump ball only at the beginning of the game and then switches to the alternating possession arrow for the rest of the game and overtime periods. FIBA, which oversees international basketball, adopted the alternating possession rule in 2003, but some FIBA leagues, such as Euroleague Basketball, have reinstated the jump ball rule for certain situations.
It's worth noting that 3x3 basketball, a formalized version of half-court three-on-three basketball, does not use jump balls at all. Instead, the first possession is determined by a pre-game coin toss, and held balls are automatically awarded to the defensive team.
While the use of jump balls has evolved over time, the underlying principle is to ensure fairness and maintain the flow of the game.
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Frequently asked questions
A jump ball is a method used to begin or resume play in basketball. Two opposing players attempt to gain control of the ball after an official tosses it into the air between them.
A jump ball is used to start the game and overtime periods. It is also used to resume play after a dead ball.
Each jumper must have at least one foot on or inside the half of the jumping circle farthest from their basket. The official tosses the ball into the air, and the players attempt to tap it to their teammates.
Height and jumping ability are obvious advantages in a jump ball. Choosing a player with these attributes can increase the chances of winning the tip. Additionally, some referees have unique throwing styles, so it may be beneficial to observe their tendencies and predict their tosses.
